52 Pieces Of Business Advice From Successful Entrepreneurs

People always ask me for business advice and whilst I’m certainly no expert, I’ve picked up a couple of things over the last 5 years. So, here are some things I’ve learnt and along with the best advice I’ve received from people far more successful than me…

 

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👉 There’s never a right time to start a business – just do it!

 

👉 Make sure you have a financial safety net before you quit your job

 

👉 Force yourself to go to networking – it’s worth it

 

👉 Research free mentoring and business skill workshops in your area

 

👉 Don’t run to get a business loan, see how profitable it is first

 

👉 Get an accountant, they’re worth their weight in gold

 

👉 Speak to a professional before going Ltd – it comes with challenges

 

👉 Try not to rely on one big client

 

👉 Do your research on invoicing platforms from the get-go

 

👉 Freelance or business owner, always have a separate bank account

 

👉 Check your digital footprint before promoting your name

 

👉 If you’re choosing a business name, check it hasn’t been taken

 

 

👉 Find yourself a business mentor that you trust

 

👉 Don’t work in the evenings or the weekends – take a break

 

👉 Start using a project management system from day 1

 

👉 Track and celebrate your successes, no matter how small

 

👉 Religiously use your calendar to set meetings

 

👉 Start your day by planning out your tasks

 

👉 Don’t forget about expenses and always collect receipts

 

👉 Always get a down payment or payment upfront

 

👉 Make sure your LinkedIn and other social media channels are up to date

 

👉 Get into the habit of time-tracking when you’re working

 

👉 Ask your first few clients for testimonials, they’re so important

 

👉 Always save % of your earnings for tax

 

 

👉 Stop comparing yourself to your competitors

 

👉 Set yourself a routine

 

👉 Some people find it lonely, research co-working spaces if this is you

 

👉 Get yourself some business insurance

 

👉 Remember you have two ears and one mouth for a reason

 

👉 Automate your invoice reminders

 

👉 Careful to monitor when you reach the VAT threshold

 

👉 Always get a signed Statement of Work before you start working

 

👉 Check-in with yourself and make sure you’re happy and healthy

 

👉 Subscribe to business and freelancing podcasts

 

👉 Under-promise and over-deliver

 

👉 Keep an archive of past work that’s well organised

 

👉 Consider taking a business course online

 

👉 Never sell your time by the hour, set a project or day rate

 

👉 Find freelance friends that you can relate to

 

👉 Get back to your clients in less than 48 hours

 

 

👉 Create processes and templates whenever you start something new

 

👉 Always be completely honest with clients and suppliers

 

👉 Turn notifications off on your phone, it’ll drive you crazy otherwise

 

👉 Make sure you have solid contracts

 

👉 Read as much as possible – both online and offline

 

👉 Keep communication going with you and your clients

 

👉 Don’t lower your prices, instead, tweak your offering

 

👉 You should never feel bad chasing invoices

 

👉 Never, ever work for free – trust me, you don’t need to

 

👉 Automate onboarding when you begin starting with a new client

 

👉 Remember to increase your prices every few months

 

👉 You’re allowed to say ‘no’ to prospective clients